SRS announces statewide autism forums


KHI NEWS SERVICE



TOPEKA, June 20
Public forums on a planned, new early intervention program for children with autism will be held in three locations across the state next week.

The forums, put together by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, will be held in Topeka, Hays and Wichita. SRS will be seeking feedback on a waiver application it will file at the end of the month with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The waiver is sought so SRS can use federal Medicaid dollars to help fund the intervention services, said SRS spokeswoman Abbie Hodgson.

The state”s match for the waiver is $300,000 allocated from the state general fund; total funding for the program, with the federal match, would be about $774,000.

If approved, the program will begin Jan. 1.

The forums will take place at:

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Topeka, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th St.

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Hays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Wednesday, June 27 at Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, 2703 Hall St.

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Wichita, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at Independent Living Resource Center, 2022 W. 2nd St.

Child care for the Topeka forum will be provided by TARC. Please RSVP to Debbie at 785-232-0597, ext. 398, at least two days in advance of the meeting. Let her know if your child has any special needs.

Child care for the Wichita forum will be provided by Rainbows United.
RSVP to Adena at 316-684-7060, ext.123 or

amccowan@rui.org

at least two days in advance. Let her know if your child has special needs so that accommodations may be made.